Tools

(07/08/2013) - Bobby Martin, coach of 2013 U.S. pairs champions Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir, among others, introduces himself in the first entry in his season-long blog for icenetwork.com.

When I was asked to write a blog documenting, from a coach's perspective, how this season will play out leading up to, and through, the Sochi Olympics, my obvious first question was, "What the heck is a blog?"

I looked it up on the World Wide Web and learned it was a contraction of the words "web log." Still unclear, I said, "Sure, OK, I can do that. Just don't ask me to tweet anything or send a Snapchat of myself blogging on Instagram while hanging from a Vine."

That's where I draw the line.

Here are some chapter headings that I thought would make for interesting subject matter (along with a brief synopsis). Soon-to-be loyal readers, feel free to weigh in on a topic or two of special interest.

PREPARATION - How does all of this happen anyway? We certainly must plan for success, correct?

FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT - The importance of carrying yourself like a champion, even when you feel like you want to throw up.

PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING - Let's face it: This is a performance sport. Humans are judging you. No one is trying to stop you from scoring a goal or hitting a ball back over a net. You rehearse over and over and over and over, and then get your chance to show your work.

PRACTICE - Yeah, we should probably do some of this, too. Unless you are Allen Iverson.

HARD WORK AND BEING EFFICIENT - My athletes are extremely high-functioning and amazing people (you should really get to know them!), and they require a very organized, practical and efficient plan to maximize their talents. That plan will change 100 times.

"BALANCE," "TEMPORARY" AND OTHER FUN WORDS - I have a slew of them and would be happy to share why they are helpful in navigating this journey.

DECISION MAKING - Choices, decisions and consequences.

DAY IN THE LIFE - This topic might put you to sleep. It's not very riveting unless you are a parent of two girls (as I am), enjoy human torture and/or want to feel better about your own job.

LEAVE ME ALONE - How I get away from it all. (This doesn't happen ... I am a coach, remember.)

EMOTIONAL MANAGEMENT - Keeping sane, or at least pretending to try.

DON'T THEY KNOW IT IS ALL ABOUT ME? - The truth about my coaching philosophy.

THINK TWICE BEFORE GIVING ME THE MIC - Whose idea was this anyway?

THE CARDBOARD COACHING MACHINE - Some of my great product ideas. Also, I could dabble into the marketing of figure skating.

OH, THIS IS SO GLAMOROUS - See "Day in the Life" above.

THINGS I HAVE LEARNED ALONG THE WAY - Like "tucking your pants into your socks" or "the proper way to hold things at competition."

I LOVE THAT DIRTY WATER - With Boston hosting the 2014 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and as a longtime Bostonian, I would gladly give my tips and insights into how to fully enjoy yourself while here. Also, we could discuss translating the accents and give driver safety tips.

OK, clearly I am in way over my head. I am sure icenetwork.com is rethinking its decision at this point. Please help right this ship, and I will do my best to represent the coaching community to the best of my ability!